Buying its own future output: the company is spending now to own more of the value it already helps create
The model's full reasoning — Q2 2018 call → NOWe need to determine if management describes the company currently moving itself further up or down its own value chain, taking ownership of a step previously performed by others, and that this move is already being executed and changing what the company earns or can do. Let's examine the transcript for any such description. The call covers HPE's Q2 2018 results. Key topics: HPE Next initiative, acquisitions (Cape Networks, Plexxi, RedPixie), HPE GreenLake, etc. We need to see if management describes taking over a step in the chain that was previously outsourced or done by others, and that it's already in motion. Look for phrases like "in-house", "direct", "taking over", "owning", "capturing margin", etc. The transcript mentions HPE Next as a cost-saving and simplification initiative. It's about re-architecting the company, streamlining, etc. Not specifically about vertical integration. Acquisitions: Cape Networks (AI networking), Plexxi (software-defined networking), RedPixie (cloud consulting). These are acquisitions of companies that provide complementary products/services, but they are not necessarily taking over a step in the value chain that HPE previously outsourced. They are adding capabilities, but not necessarily internalizing a step that was previously done by others. For example, RedPixie is a cloud consulting firm, but HPE already had consulting services. It's more of an expansion. HPE GreenLake is a pay-per-use offering, but that's a business model, not necessarily taking over a step. The question is about moving up or down its own value chain, taking ownership of a step that someone else used to perform. For example, if HPE previously relied on third-party services for something and now does it in-house. Look for any mention of bringing manufacturing in-house, direct sales, etc. The transcript doesn't seem to have that. Management talks about simplifying operations, reducing SKUs, etc. That's not vertical integration. There is mention of "no-touch sales model" for certain segments, but that's about automating sales, not taking over a step. Also, the acquisitions are of companies that provide products/services that HPE will integrate, but they are not necessarily steps that HPE previously outsourced. For example, Plexxi provides networking technology that HPE will integrate into its offerings. That's adding a product, not taking over a step.
| Ticker | Company | Call | Date | Call grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GIII | G-III Apparel Group, Ltd. | Q4 2024 | 2024-03-14 | C |
| KOPN | Kopin Corporation | Q4 2023 | 2024-03-14 | C+ |
| PFE | Pfizer Inc. | Q4 2023 | 2024-01-30 | F |
| BZUN | Baozun Inc. | Q2 2023 | 2023-08-28 | D |
| KMDA | Kamada Ltd. | Q2 2023 | 2023-08-16 | B+ |
| SOL | ReneSola Ltd | Q3 2022 | 2022-12-01 | C+ |
| TMCI | Treace Medical Concepts, Inc. | Q2 2022 | 2022-08-13 | B+ |
| HROW | Harrow Health, Inc. | Q4 2021 | 2022-03-10 | C |
| SLQT | SelectQuote, Inc. | Q2 2022 | 2022-02-07 | F |
| LC | LendingClub Corporation | Q4 2021 | 2022-01-26 | A |
| LPTH | LightPath Technologies, Inc. | Q4 2021 | 2021-09-09 | D |
| KNDI | Kandi Technologies Group, Inc. | Q2 2021 | 2021-08-09 | F |
| EHTH | eHealth, Inc. | Q2 2021 | 2021-07-29 | F |
| PRPO | Precipio, Inc. | Q3 2018 | 2018-11-19 | D |
| T | AT&T Inc. | Q3 2018 | 2018-10-24 | C+ |
| KOP | Koppers Holdings Inc. | Q2 2018 | 2018-08-12 | C+ |
| XOM | Exxon Mobil Corporation | Q2 2018 | 2018-07-27 | C |
| TOUR | Tuniu Corporation | Q4 2017 | 2018-03-14 | D |
| HSTM | HealthStream, Inc. | Q3 2017 | 2017-10-24 | C |
| FLEX | Flex Ltd. | Q1 2018 | 2017-07-28 | F |
| DAN | Dana Incorporated | Q1 2017 | 2017-05-02 | B |
| GES | Guess?, Inc. | Q1 2017 | 2016-05-25 | F |
FLEX · Q1 2018 → YESThe question is about whether Flex Ltd is currently moving itself further up or down its own value chain by taking ownership or control of a step that someone else used to perform. YES The transcript shows Flex is actively internalizing a previously external step in the shoe manufacturing value chain by taking ownership of automation, process redesign, and end-to-end production for Nike. Management describes this as an ongoing, real-time execution: “we’re vertically integrating technologies,” “rethinking all of the whole supply process we’re applying automation technologies,” “we’ve manufactured over 1 million pairs,” and “we took over the facility in September” for Bose, with the Nike factory transition “complete by October.” They explain the value capture: the company now keeps margin it previously paid away, controls quality, cost, supply, and timing previously constrained by a counterparty, and serves customers it could not reach through the old chain. While acknowledging the ramp is early (losses persist through Q2, breakeven expected by year-end), the move is already changing what Flex earns and can do, not merely planned or contemplated. This meets all three required elements.
XOM · Q2 2018 → YESThe question is about whether ExxonMobil is currently moving itself further up or down its own value chain by taking ownership or control of a step that someone else used to perform. YES The transcript shows ExxonMobil actively internalizing logistics and supply-chain steps that previously required external partners or intermediaries. Neil Chapman explicitly states they “will get engaged in the connectivity between the Permian and our Gulf Coast refining and chemical assets,” with equity participation in logistics, the Wink terminal acquisition (closed late 2017), 11 active completion crews, and a signed letter of intent for a 1 million bpd long-haul crude pipeline. These moves are already producing results: Gulf Coast refineries are “already processing our production levels and more, capturing the benefits of disadvantaged feed cost.
KMDA · Q2 2023 → YESThe question is about whether management describes the company currently moving itself further up or down its own value chain, taking ownership of a step that someone else used to perform, and that th...YES The transcript shows management describing the 2021 acquisition of the Beaumont plasma collection center as the company's entry into U.S. plasma collection, with the explicit goal of becoming a "fully integrated specialty plasma product company." They state they are "successfully expanding" capacity at the first center (already acquired and operational) and plan to open the second in Houston in early 2024. This is presented as an active, ongoing move to internalize plasma collection that previously depended on external suppliers.